School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses

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Embedded: the Australian Red Cross in the Second World War

Spear, Jonathan A. ( 2007-02)

This thesis demonstrates that the Australian Red Cross was embedded with the Australian government, military and civilian ‘home front’ during the Second World War. The legal basis, structure, leadership and administration of the Society were closely integrated with the official war effort of the Australian government and military. The Red Cross societies of other combatant nations were similarly organised to contribute to the logistical firepower of their respective governments and militaries. The Second World War revitalised the Australian Red Cross and caused the Society to forge even stronger links with the Australian government. The Society was integrated as a paramilitary branch of the Australian military forces and provided logistical support to the military in Australia and overseas by means of its Field Force. The pervasive presence of the Red Cross resulted in the embedding of the Society on the Australian civilian ‘home front’. The integration of the Australian Red Cross with the Australian government was for the purpose of supporting the war effort of the Allies in Australia and overseas. (For complete abstract open document)